Candle applicator



May 21, 1957 w. R. LAMM CANDLE APPLICATOR ZSheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 11, 1953 lNl/ENTOR:

y 1, 1957 w. R. LAMM 2,792,699

CANDLE APPLICATOF.

Filed June 11, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent O CANDLE APPLICATOR William R. Lamm, San Antonio, Tex. Application June 11, 1953, Serial No. 360,995

4 Claims. (Cl. 67---6) My invention relates to the universal application of lighting and extinguishing stationary, monolithic candles and has for these objects, among others, the extinguishing of the flame of the monolithic candle, situated at distant points without undesirable or damaging results; or, otherwise, the lessening of certain reactions.

In its engineering concept, the monolithic candle is generally a tall cylindrical taper of wax, having an established position in ecclesiastical art and liturgy. It appears not as a secondary ornamentation, but has a primary place in ecclesiastical art and liturgical expression, comparable in importance to the statue, the stained glass window and other well known like objects. This specification is concerned only with the engineering concept of the candle and not with its artistic orliturgical significance.

This candle is used in a stationary position with others of its kind, in symmetrical array, high upon an altar. The altar is generally in an elevated position, having steps leading to its base. The distance between the burning zone of this candle and the base level of the altar is about eight feet. Now this candle so situated is monolithic and resembles a small pillar supporting a flame. Within the purview of artistic norm, this candle is generally about two feet high and it is fitted to a candle holder about two feet tall. It is from one to two inches in diameter and it has a wick of a calibre proportioned to the candle diameter. This structural arrangement, together with its material composition of beeswax and other conventional waxes, produces a vigorous flame of a candle power sufficient to be clearly seen from a distance of more than a hundred feet. Hence, its resistance to extinguishing is well known.

Being an ordinal candle, it is not portable by artistic norm; somewhat in the same respect as a picture or statue is not portable. Beside, this monolithic candle is relatively inaccessible, due to its elevated position. Being in such elevated position, the burning zone of this candle is partially obscured; or, more particularly certain components of the burning zone are not visible. In the burning process, of course, the flame is visible. But, the flame is not the only member within the burning zone. There is present therein, a well of hot, inert, melted wax which is not visible. It may be remarked, the melted, inert wax is not always confined within a wax well; the formative tendency of the melted, inert wax atop the candle is to vaporize. In any position or formation atop the candle it would not be clearly visible to the operator standing below it. Other components of the burning zone can be more or less obscured. The candle wick is somewhat obscured; land this is also true of the gas cone or core of the flame in the burning zone. Heat is also generated and transfered within this zone.

Now the extinguishing of the monolithic candle is done by either one of two methods.

One of these employs a hollow metal cone, opening downward, attached to an angularly projecting arm,

rigidly aflixed to the capital end of a rod some six feet in length. The other end of the rod is taken into the hands of the operator and the metal cone is brought down upon the flame; thus smothering the flame by exclusion of further oxygen supply. Often, this method has an undesirable and damaging result; that of imbedding the Wick in the hot inert wax. This necessitates the reconditioning the candle for future use. These uses can number four or five in one day, with their resultant reconditioning of wick. Also, vaporized wax from the combustion zone of the candle condenses on the inside of the metal cone when this is cold, and when the cone becomes hot from use, the condensed wax, mixed with black soot from the candle flame, melts and drops upon the altar cloths, soiling these and rendering them unfit for further use until laundered.

The other method employs an air jet impact with the flame of the monolithic candle. This is eifected by means of spherical rubber bulb connected to a tubular ring, perforated by a number of small holes opening towards the center of the ring. This rubber bulb is fastened to the lower end of 'a metal tube of small bore about six feet long. This tube connects the bulb at a point near the operators handle, to the perforated tubular ring which angularly projects from the capital end of the metal tube. Upon collapsing the bulb, jets of air are directed from all directions upon the candle flame. This air jet method requires an undue proximity of the perforated, tubular ring to the burning zone; resulting in impact with the hot inert wax, which impact sometimes causes the hot inert wax to spill and spatter with damaging results to the altar linen spread below. Other undesirable results caused by spilling and spatteriug the hot melted wax are apparent. There is also danger of encircling the top of the candle with the perforated tubular ring, thus pulling down the candle.

My invention obviates the foregoing undesirable reac tions. Other objects, advantages and capabilities, inherently possessed by my invention, will later more fully appear.

My invention further resides in the combination, construction arrangement and construction of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while I have shown therein preferred embodiments, I wish it understood that the same are susceptible of modification and change with out departing from the spirit of my invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows the applicator in use as an extinguisher.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view in which the housing surrounding the motor and fan is shown in section and the enclosed batteries and wires are indicated in dotted lines. 7 Figure 3 is a detail view showing a front elevation and also shows the lighter member.

I achieve my invention by means of directed air current of a diameter and force proportionate to the burning zone of these ordinal candles. The current of air thus channeled is of a predetermined, constant, uniform and sustaining flow. My invention allows a wider margin of approach or retraction in relation to the burning zone. My device rapidly extinguishes the flame without resulting reaction.

I use a fan of conventional R. P. M. and of established blade pitch. There is secured the anomalous or dual actions of applied air movement to overcome the resisting flame, while at the same time there is the tendency to quiet the unavoidable hot melted wax; or, other than than the small orifice of the nozzle or of the perforated tubular ring. As was previously indicated, this jet application requires undue proximity of it to the burning zone, with the resultant spillingand spattering of the hot, melted inert wax. Dexterity of an operator can -befor naught if he isrestricted to proximity application, with little or no latitude of advancement orretraction from the burning zone. The situation is paradoxreal: There is a discernible 'fiame target or burning zone, and there are also certain'other componentsof -to'hold in series position, batteries 4, t, and which are productive of about three volts. 'These batteries 4-, 4, are connected with a direct current motor 5, of three volts, by two wires 6, 6, of appropriate gauge;-and these wires extend through the bore 2 of the tubing 1. Along the side of the casing 3, and being in an operable position is an electric switch 7, of current design, which controls the action of the motor 5, in its relation to the batteries 4, 4, through the media of the wires 6,6. The motor 5, has fitted to its shaft, a fan 8, of about two inches diameter. The housing 9 also extends to form an'airegressbarrel 10, and which is of an operable tolerance diameter to the fan 8, 'so as to receive and emit, direct and project the air current generated by the fan 8. A desirable length of the housing 9, is two and one-half inches of which the egress barrel 10 is of about-one-half inch.

Generally, the operation employs these steps: The operator raises the capital end of the device to an approximate level with the monolothic candle 11, burning zone 12; and using the flame as atarget starts the predetermined air current. This operation of directed and projected air current extinguishes the flame reaction within the burning zone rapidly. but without violent, sudden and turbulent impact; and it acts as an encompassing dispersing and cooling agency, which carries away and removes certain components of the burning zone 12, and upon extinguishing the flame 17, leaves but the wick and the; more or less cooled and congealing inert wax; and these undisturbed.

By experimentation, the range of these ordinal flame resistance factors, and the known average number of liturgical use or incidences of the device was rationalized to a minimum of motive power requirement and expenditure through the rapid extinguishing time application factor of the device; and this being in view of the use of dry cell-batteries in series, of relatively light weight. The arrangement of the battery and its small size allows them to be encased in an artistic, or otherwise desirable form; mindful of the fact that device is used in public view and amid eccelesiastical art. While my invention, hitherto, has not been in public use or on sale. by experimentation it has been found that my invention will not through ordinary use, expend such batteries in less than one year. My synthesization has the novelty, among other such novelty, of the utility, practicability, convenience and economy of the rational or feasible use of the relatively small motor, being operated by a small dry cell battery of commerce.

It may be remarked, that my one embodiment of invention, could with an appropriate motor, be used with commerically produced electric current. Because of the widely spaced situations and wide expanse of floor coverage, much of it being of steplike formation, on various levels, a plug-in and electric cord method would be 'slowand; profuse flame.

undesirable. The cord would be unwieldy and could cause obstruction and even tripping. It is believed that no architect has ever designed the installation of a systern of such multiplicity of electrical plug-in outlets in an edifice. Indeed, my invention obviates such installation.

Further referring to the drawings, there is illustratively shown the lighter member-13, of my candle applicator. This lighter member 13, is formed branch like, and it is positioned toward the capital end of the tubing 1. Its position is on the side of the extinguishing assembly previously described.

At the conventional burner end 14, of lighter 13, is a well 15, which is inthis instance the bore of the lighter 13. A wick 16, of appropriate length and calibration to the bore of the burner 14 is inserted into the bore, leaving about one inch of the Wick 16 to protrude. The wick is manually. adjusted. The :wick16 is of conventional .material and it is chemically pre-treated so as to impart to the extruded wick'16 a sustainingburning power when lighted; the flame thereby, is a heavy, To light this candle 11, the wick 16, is lighted; .and thus the wick 15, of the candle 11, is ignited through the medium of the. candle applicatorpFig. 1; Fig. 2; Fig-3.

My candle applicatoris universal and complete forthe processof lighting .and extinguishingcandles. As asunit it both. lightsi andiextinguishes in successive applications.

The successivezapplications'oftmy candle applicator :can be immediate; as forinstance, whenordinal of candle groupis not followed, and certaincandles are-errone- "groups of candles, a described, i repeated in liturgical services serveral times on certain days. The universal and *completeprocessingmeans embodied in my candle applicator render 'it, among other things, efficient and facile.

l. A"candle applicator for lighting and for, pneumatically extinguishing ecclesiastical "candles "of distant and elevated locations, and cooling, "congealing and fortifying the hot melted wax of the lighted candles "during'the pncumatical extinguishing, comprisingam'et'al tubing of standard gauge and of considerable length andthe bore being about /2 inch in diameter; the metal tubing having a capital end portion arid a low, or operators handle end portion; .a .small direct current motor of about 3 volts and of conventional 'R. P. M.; a small fan of a blade spread or about 2 inches; the motor and fan being in operable direct connection with each .other upon a common shaft with clear space between themotor and fan; a housingof cylinder like shape, having open ends to the atmosphere andwith internal structural clearance, and also having an-opening to fit the capital end of the metal tubing and with-communication of the bore of that tubing, and with the housingibeing horizontally disposed in relation to the metal tubing; the housing is ofsuch internal dimensions as required to admit the motorand fan-internally with an operable clearance, and thehousingthus admits the motor and fan with the-base of the motor attached to the floor, or :low internal side of the housing; the forward open end .portion of the housing adapts to form an egress barrel encircling the fan with an operable clearance so as to admit only natural atmospheric resistance, or load to the fan operation; a battery holderattachedtothe low'end of 'the metaltubing and'also' having "an opening communicating with the bore of the metal tubing; an electric switch operably attached to the battery holder; dry cell batteries in series adapted to fit within the battery holder; 2 electric wires extending from within the battery holder, through the bore of the metal tubing to the motor; one of these wires in operable contact with the motor and batteries, and the other of these wires operably contacting the motor and switch, to form instantaneous remote control of the distant motor; a lighter member attached to the capital end portion of the metal tubing and extending branch like.

2. A candle applicator for lighting and for pneumatically extinguishing ecclesiastical candles of distant locations, and with minimal disturbance to the hot melted wax of the lighted candles during the extinguishing, and with economy of electric battery drain in the extinguishing, comprising a stall of standard gauge tubing of diameter of about /2 inch, and of considerable length; the stafi having a capital end and an opposite low end; a relatively small revolving fan and direct current motor in direct operable relation to each other, with clear space between them, and these superposed upon the capital end portion of the staff; a battery holder with opening and with connection to the low end of the stafi; a switch attached to the battery holder; dry cell batteries adapted to be enclosed within the battery holder and adapted to co-act with the switch; 2 wires extending from within the battery holder to the motor, in relation to the staff; one of these wires in operable connection with the motor and the batteries, and the other wire in operable connection with the motor and the switch, to give instantaneous control of the pneum atical extinguishing application, which is rapid and of short period; the extingiushing operation being stopped during intervals between successive candle applications; a lighter member attached to the capital end portion of the stall and extending branch like therefrom.

3. A candle applicator for lighting and for pneumatically extinguishing eccelesiastical candles of distant elevated locations, and with minimal disturbance of the hot melted wax of the lighted candles during the pneumatic extinguishing, and comprising a staff of standard gauge tubing of diameter about /2 inch, and of considerable length; the staff having a capital end and an opposite low end; a relatively small fan and direct current motor with direct connection upon a common shaft with clear space between the fan and motor; an open egress barrel attached to the capital end portion of the stafi and the egress barrel adapted to circumferentially enclose and recess the revolving blades of the fan with operable tolerance and with structural clearance for free passage of air, with only the natural atmospheric resistance being present in the work load of the fan; a battery holder with opening and with connection to the low end of the staff, the opening communicating with the bore of the stafi; a switch attached to the battery holder; dry cell batteries adapted to fit within the battery holder; 2 wires extending from within the battery holder and continuing through the bore of the staff and to the motor; one wire to contact the motor and the switch; and the other wire connecting the motor and batteries; a lighter member attached to the capital end portion of the stall and extending branch like therefrom; the aforesaid battery holder also adapted to form an operators handle and adapted to connect the dry cell batteries and the switch.

4. A candle applicator for lighting and for pneumatically extinguishing ecclesiastical candles of distant locations, and with minimal disturbance to the hot melted wax of the lighted candles during the extinguishing, comprising an electric wires conduit stafi of conventional metal tubing of considerable length, and having a capital end portion and an opposite low end portion; a relatively small fan and direct current motor in direct operable relation to each other, and these superposed upon the capital end portion of the electric wires conduit staff; a battery holder with communicating opening and with connection to the low end portion of the electric wires conduit staff; dry cell battery element adapted to be enclosed operably within the battery holder; 2 electric wires of appropriate small gauge, and these extending from within the battery holder, through the communicating opening and through the electric wires conduit staff of conventional metal tubing of relatively small operable bore, and in operable continuity to the motor; one of these electric wires being in operable connection with the motor and with the dry cell battery element; while the other electric wire operably connects both the motor and the dry cell battery element through a switch; a lighter member attached to the capital end portion of the electric wires conduit stafi.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,108,053 Wiwi et a1. Aug. 18, 1914 2,158,744 Cormier May 16, 1939 2,406,518 Urbank Aug. 27, 1946 2,595,406 Popovich May 6, 1952 

